The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding Floridians and visitors to be GatorWise as alligators become more active and visible throughout the state.

GatorWise is a new public awareness campaign that aims to promote realistic public perceptions about alligators and assist the public in taking appropriate actions to minimize conflict. The initiative includes information from 11 state wildlife agencies within the American alligator’s range.

“Florida has seen tremendous population growth in recent years, with many people living or recreating near water,” said Matthew Nichols, FWC Alligator Management Program Coordinator. “Because alligators can be found in nearly any waterbody in Florida, it’s safest to always assume they’re present. GatorWise provides consistent, science-based information from across the Southeast to help people safely share the landscape with these important animals.”

Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, which play a vital role in Florida’s freshwater wetlands by keeping aquatic animal populations in balance.

GatorWise basics include:

•  Always assume alligators are present in any water body in Florida. Gators are good at hiding. There could be gators in places you have never seen them before, especially after storms.

•  Never feed alligators. Feeding alligators may cause them to associate people with food. Don't throw fish scraps in the water.

•  Never harass, try to capture or handle an alligator.

•  Be responsible for pets and people in your care. Keep pets on a leash and away from the water's edge. Supervise small children near water.

•  Maintain awareness when you are in or near water. Stay away from the water if you see an alligator. Don't swim in areas with dense vegetation. Alligators hide in vegetationin or near water.  Only swim in daylight hours. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.

•   During summer months, female alligators protect nests and hatchlings from perceived threats, including people who get too close.

To learn more about how to be GatorWise, visit GatorWise.org.